Kena: Bridge of Spirits Anniversary Update

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This was the only new game I even cared about of the show. Not sure if I'd ever buy it, but I'm a bit interested.
 
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Certain combat aspects seemed a little too influenced by Horizon Zero Dawn to me on this new trailer.
 
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I don’t know U2. Maybe but I didn’t notice or pay attention I guess. But I know it looks great and fun!
 


Why PS5 game Kena: Bridge of Spirits is more than just a love letter to Pixar animation

Ember Labs is well aware of your adoration for the Rot. They are the mystical creatures seen in Kena: Bridge of Spirits; chibi forest dwellers who look a bit like the offspring of a forbidden affair between a Minion and a Furby. As seen in the latest trailer for the upcoming PS5 game at the Future Games Show – Spring Showcase, Rot will help Kena in her quest to guide spirits over from one realm to the next.

"Of course, helping people fall in love with the Rot has been a big part of our strategy," admits Josh and Mike Grier, Ember Lab's co-founders. "They have grown to be an integral part of the story, as they are the key to helping Kena on her journey and ultimately represent her growth as a character."


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"Kena is a novice spirit guide searching for a sacred place of knowledge," the Grier brothers tell GamesRadar+, setting the scene for Bridge of Spirit's story. "She uncovers an abandoned village afflicted with corruption where trapped spirits sow chaos and unnatural decay."

Through this journey, players will explore Bridge of Spirit's various open regions, which Ember Labs drew from its experience as an animation studio to conjure into existence. It's a jaw-dropping vision of a Southeast Asian-inspired fantasy world, invoking the very best of Pixar and Studio Ghibli while standing out as entirely its own thing all at the same time.

But this enchanting backdrop is not without its perils. In order to successfully guide lost spirits, Kena will need to defeat manifestations of the corruption holding them back, which take the form of dangerous, animal-like enemies. It's here in these boss battles, according to the Griers, where Kena's combat gameplay comes into its own.

"Kena can infuse any of her abilities with Rot to defeat enemies in unique ways," they explain. "The Rot can swarm attackers, create piercing projectiles, and even form a shape- shifting cloud to pummel enemies. Finding and growing a larger Rot team enables more powerful attacks and unlocks additional upgrades. Working with the Rot, players will discover enemy weaknesses. Additionally, healing in combat is tied to using the Rot. Players will have to find a balance between delivering a strong blow or taking the opportunity to heal."

It's easy to worry whether an experience as cinematically textured as Kena might be more focused on quick-time events than moment-to-moment gameplay, then, but that's not the case for Ember Labs' PS5 debut. Its combat promises a deep, rewarding experience, challenging enough to knock us off our feet if we're not paying attention, yet compelling enough to keep us coming back after every defeat.

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As a console exclusive to PlayStation platforms, Ember Labs is also hoping to make use of the PS5's next-generation features to make Kena feel and play as good as it looks. According to the Griers, Sony's new console has allowed the studio to "build dense, lush environments", as well as add new layers of interaction to Kena's combat mechanics.

Better yet, those playing on PS5 will be able to enjoy even more of the Rot at once. With over 100 of the little guys to collect, the PS5 version of the game will "be able to show each of those little guys on the screen all at the same
 
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Kena demo impressions. More "souls-like" than originally thought ?


this looks great. I wouldn’t say it’s Souls Like though. There was no stamina bar or weight management going on and n that clip. It does have tight hit and dodge mechanics which I absolutely love. Defo watching for this one.
 
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Aside from its 15-person studio, Kena: Bridge of Spirits shares similarities with indie games, including its play length. For those wondering how long it will take to beat Kena: Bridge of Spirits, the exact time is currently unknown, but its developer previously stated that it can be comfortably finished in a weekend.

Along with its partnership with Sony Interactive Entertainment, the stunning visuals of Kena: Bridge of Spirits puts it on par with AAA titles. But if there's anything that they can learn from the breathtaking indie game from Ember Lab, it's Kena's length.

It's hard to say exactly how long Kena: Bridge of Spirits will end up being based on Ember Lab's statement. It could be close to 25 hours with any extra content or could be a flat 15 hours, which would be comfortable for most gamers—kids and—adults, to finish in a single weekend. Regardless, it's nice to see such a high-profile game adopt both a shorter play time alongside its compelling story, as well as a cheaper price tag.
 
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Sounds like a renter, but I definitely wanna play it.
 
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You could always wait for the inevitable GP release…they did state it will come in time to Xbox, maybe switch, I forget the details on the latter.
I am amazed by how many people will wait for something to go to Game Pass. I have zero patience.
 
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I am amazed by how many people will wait for something to go to Game Pass. I have zero patience.
Patience is futile???? Wait?? I got it wrong huh?

But honestly I’ll double dip, especially if there’s a cool collectors edition. *stares at ori collectors editions*
 
You could always wait for the inevitable GP release…they did state it will come in time to Xbox, maybe switch, I forget the details on the latter.
I am amazed by how many people will wait for something to go to Game Pass. I have zero patience.
Same. I don't like to wait. I'm in a similar situation with Deathloop, I'd much prefer to play it on xbox, but I don't see myself waiting a year on that one. I was gonna get Kena via gamefly, but it's not even listed in the coming soon section. Is the game not getting a physical release?
 
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Same. I don't like to wait. I'm in a similar situation with Deathloop, I'd much prefer to play it on xbox, but I don't see myself waiting a year on that one. I was gonna get Kena via gamefly, but it's not even listed in the coming soon section. Is the game not getting a physical release?

Apparently it's digital only for now 😞

I wanted a physical copy too.
 
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